Situation Alert: Afghanistan floods claims at least 102 lives

Heavy rainfall since Thursday, April 24, 2014, has caused flash floods across 4 provinces (Jawzjan, Faryab, Sari Pul, and Badghis) in Northern Afghanistan claiming at least 102 lives, most of which are women and children and leaving more than 100 injured. Initial reports received from Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) indicate that people are still trapped on the roofs of their homes and some remain missing. Affected families have also lost their homes, shops, agriculture land, and orchards. Witness reported seeing people climbing trees to save themselves from the rising water.

The exact figures of damages and losses could not be assessed with limited accessibility to some areas and roads remain severely damaged. Authorities shared that Jawzjan Province is the worst affected in the region and more than 100 people have been injured and 30 villages under water. While in Faryab Province, at least 40 people have died and dozens injured. The Deputy Provincial Governor also stated the loss of 10,000 domestic animals in the province.

ANDMA with support from humanitarian agencies is in process of assessing the exact losses from the affected areas. Limited access to some of the more heavily affected areas remains a key challenge. Priority needs at present include clean drinking water, medical supplies, food, non-food items, and shelter.

CWS-P/A Response:

CWS-P/A is currently monitoring the situation and is in close contact with ANDMA and local partners. CWS-P/A’s emergency response team is on standby in case the need arises to respond.